Entomology Courses

The tremendous diversity and abundance displayed by insects is a demonstration of their ability to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions. This success has both attracted and repulsed human curiosity. This course explores the interaction between insects and humans through time, focusing especially on how it has led to changes in human society and the natural environment. Topics include: basic concepts in insect biology and behavior; the evolution of insect diversity; environmental and cultural degradation caused by insects or their control; pest outbreaks, epidemics vectored by insects, and other episodes within the context of climate change; perception and awareness about humanity’s role in nature.

Natural history, identification, and behavior of honey bees and other social insects. Evolution of social behavior, pheromones and communication, organization and division of labor, social parasitism. Lab with honey bee management and maintenance of other social bees for pollination.

Diversity of behavior in insects. Modes of perception, ways in which stimuli are translated into behavior. Genetic basis of behavior. Behavioral traits with Mendelian and more complex modes of inheritance. Natural history of insect behavior. Emphasizes how evolution has shaped diversity of behaviors. Movement/dispersal, feeding, defense/escape, mating/reproduction, sociality. Case studies.

It is well known that spatial and temporal dependence in ecological data can affect experimental inference; what is less apparent is how to detect potential problems, determine their severities, and apply appropriate methodologies so analyses will withstand peer-review scrutiny. The semester starts with a brief refresher on data management and linear models (regression and ANOVA). In the second half of the semester, these “classic" frameworks are extended to scratch the surface of temporal data analysis and the three major areas of spatial statistics: spatial point processes, lattice data, and geostatistics. This course bridges sufficient theory to understand why contending with spatiotemporal dependence in data is important with enough application to make student confident to tackle their thesis or dissertation data.

Biological control of arthropod pests and weeds. Analysis of relevant ecological theory and case studies; biological control agents. Lab includes natural enemy identification, short experiments, and computer exercises.

ENT 5361. Aquatic Insects(3.0 cr; Reqs: 3001 or #; A-F or Audit)

Taxonomy and natural history of aquatic insects including their importance in aquatic ecology, water resource management, recreation, and conservation. Emphasis on family-level identification of immatures and adults. Field trips scheduled to local aquatic habitats. A collection is required.

Training/experience conducting lab or extension based educational activities in Entomology. Students select a faculty member to serve as their sponsor, and develop lecture outlines or instructional aids such as Web sites, Web-based training sites, print materials, demonstration aids, and demonstration projects. Students prepare/conduct lab or extension presentations. Overviews of Web-based instructional aids.

Students develop/use critical elements of scientific communication, within an ethical framework. Elements in writing scientific manuscripts and research proposals. Oral communication for scientific, outreach, and classroom presentations.

ENT 8200. Colloquium in Social Insects(1.0-3.0 cr; SP-3020 or 3200; A-F or S-N or Audit)

Current research on bees, wasps, ants, and termites. Student critiques and research reports.